November 1, 2014

Because of the large number of accidents to passers-by, in the 1860s, playing cricket outside designated areas on the Moor was made contrary to the byelaws. Despite this, accidents continued, such as the following one described in a letter published in the Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer on Tuesday 13 April 1880:

CRICKETING WOODHOUSE MOOR.

To the Editor of The Yorkshire Post,
Sir,— You will greatly oblige me by allowing this letter appear your paper. I think it my duty to let the public know the danger of enjoying the air on Woodhonse Moor. As my wife, two children, and nurses were walking the footpath towards the fountain this afternoon, about half past four, my wife, who had the baby In her arms, was struck with a cricket ball on the side of the head with such force that she fell to the ground, and it was some time before she was able to return home, and I fear she will for some time suffer from the shock. Had it struck the baby, I have no doubt it would hare been his death-blow. I find this is not by any means the first time that serious accidents of this kind have occurred. Can nothing be done by the Corporation or those in charge yo enable people to cross the moor in safety !—I am. &c,,

J. R, H. Anderson 16, Coventry Place, Leeds.

To deal with the problem, in 1884, the council levelled the part of the Moor we now know as Cinder Moor, to create a cricket ground. This is described in an article published in the Leeds Times in 1884, 1 of which this is an extract:

“It has been previously explained in this journal that the Corporation intend to level the lower part of Woodhouse Moor, on the north side, for the use of the cricketers. The plan for this improvement has been prepared, and will shortly be submitted to the Town Council for approval.”

Cinder Moor continued as a cricket ground, and then as a combined cricket ground and football ground until the visit of the Festival of Britain Land Travelling Exhibition to adjacent Monument Moor in 1951. At that time, cinders were laid to make the area suitable for tank exercises. Regrettably, the cricket ground was never restored.